I did allot of searching before I posted this and I believe I have narrowed down the noise that I am experiencing to my A/C compressor clutch bearing. It is a constant screeching noise that changes with the rpm's as I drive. The weird thing is it seems to die down some when I turn on the A/C and the clutch engages but returns as soon as I turn off the A/C. I replaced my water pump and serpentine belt about 800 miles ago and have had no problems at all since then. Last week this noise just popped up all of a sudden though. It doesn't effect the engines operation and it still runs and drives fine it is just making that constant noise. Here is a video I took of it and if I could get some more opinions on this before I do anything I would really appreciate it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=http:...?v=hwSCT-JLAPs

 

No one?

 

I'd say you definatly need a pulley bearing. I just had to put one in my 2001. If you have a Sanden SD-709, the bearing should be a Koyo DAC3555RD3H. Dimensions are 55mm OD, 35mm ID, 20mm race width.

Here's a link to an online source for $16.22. http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?S...&Category_Code=

Reman from O'Reilly is $221, clutch from Jeep dealer was about $200. I had to go to the salvage yard & pay $125 for a used compressor as I had no time to tear it apart & wait for a new bearing.

You should be able to change it without draining the system. Take the nut off the shaft, most of the time you can gently pry the clutch plate off with a couple of screwdrivers. Key word here is "gently", also don't lose the shims are either on the shaft or in the clutch plate. Take the snap ring off that holds the bearing on the compressor nose and use a soft mallet or wood dowel to tap the pulley off the compressor. Knock the old bearing out of the pulley, put the new one in & reverse the steps to put it back together.

Good luck, hope this helps!
Jim

 

Thanks for the detailed reply. I actually have another 98 XJ that is wrecked that the compressor was fine on so I might just take the whole clutch assembly off of it and swap it onto this truck and see if that fixes it. If not I guess I will buy a new bearing. Again thank for the all the help.

 

Hey - I am experiencing the same exact issue with mine now. Thanks for the bearing link, that looks like a huge money saver.

Do either of you have an update as far as whether it resolved the issue? Also, how long did it take you to swap out the bearing? From the looks of the diagram, it doesn't need any special tools other than possibly spanner pliers, is that accurate?

 

I think you need this tool set to get the clutch off. You may be able to rent it from the parts store.

http://m.autozone.com/autozone-mobil...6g5s?id=952179

 

Sorry to resurrect this but its a top search result. For future reference:

The bearing can be found at autozone for $23, part number MT2021.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...ntifier=167233